Friday, March 30, 2007

"New York I love you, but you're bringing me down," seriously though, TICKETMASTER IS A BEAST in this city. To all of the fans who missed out on Bjork or Arcade Fire, fear not, for there are many a show coming up that you will be able to procure a golden ticket to. Miss Lily Allen just added another date to her already busy American tour, this time at Roseland Ballroom on May 30th, tickets go on sale tomorrow morning (via the beast, ticketmaster) along with Daft Punk (via ticketweb). Also, as i previously mentioned, The Rosewood Thieves in all their glory will be holding a residency at Piano in June. Mark down June 6th, June 13th and June 20th. Last night at Tonic they debuted some new material from their upcoming album (stay tuned for release dates and more info). It was the largest crowd i have seen thus far for their shows and it was so good to see that they are finally getting the credit they so deserve.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

"You have permission to call me anything you want- except sir, all right? Lords of lords, your demigodness, that'll do." Bono was knighted today in a ceremony held in Dublin at the home of British Ambassador David Reddaway. His official title is "Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire." He was acknowledged and revered for his humanitarian works and services such as his Red Campaign and work with Bob Geldof organizing Live 8. Even though U2 has been said to be the largest band in the world apparently Bono still has trouble getting through 'some doors.' "Bono admitted that honours such as these "really help me get through a few doors I wouldn't get through. And that's the truth, that's the way the world is," he said."

Sigh, for some reason NYC does just not show Adam the love like the Germans do. Hence why he keeps going back for more. He will be headlining the Coca Cola Soundwave Discovery Tour which is a showcase for new bands to perform in front of larger sized audiences than they normally would. The two shows are coming up pretty soon:April 13th- Stuttgart LKA LonghornApril 14th- Munich Maffathalle*****VIA his myspace*******"Americana and freak folk bard Adam Green will support the winning bands at the opening concerts in Stuttgart and Munich. The New York trio We Are Scientists, famous for their exciting, energetic live shows, will be performing in Rostock and Hamburg. Reamonn, with their Irish lead singer Rea, will be on stage in Frankfurt and Berlin.The British indie rock band Maxïmo Park has also confirmed their appearance at the concerts in Hanover and Cologne, where they will present their new album. In Leipzig and Dresden singer-songwriter and Brit Award nominee Paolo Nutini will inspire the audience with expressive Brit Soul.The concerts will be presented by Anastasia of MTV fame, who will be assisted by the German newcomer Ian O'Brien-Docker, who will be appearing with his band." According to me, Adam and Maxïmo Park are not necessarily small acts. But hey, to each his own. www.adamgreen.net

Apparently it isnt only New York City that is running into such a sad fate:

"The Kinks have pleaded with the new owners of a the site of their very first gig - a pub in London - not to demolish it. The Clissold Arms, the pub where the band played their first show in 1963, is set to be removed to make way for an upscale eaterie. As previously reported the band expressed their outrage that the pub was planning to auction off the collection on band memorabilia the pub had amassed, the so called 'Kinks Corner'.Ray Davies said: "I would urge whoever has bought the pub to retain some reference to The Kinks so fans all over the world can retain it as a sense of place." Brother and band member Dave Davies said: "Why on earth can't they have their posh gastro grub and still keep a part of it for tourists, Kinks fans and the curious? "I'm sure if this had been The Cavern and The Beatles' history that was being disturbed and got rid of, it would have been brought to the attention of the House Of Commons, the Lords and The Queen herself." New owner Caroline Jones told Earvolution: "The new pub will be quite different and it won't be the kind of place you would expect to see (memorabilia)."

"Ah, fuck. That’s about the only thing that can be said to the news that Tonic, one of the city’s most popular small clubs—to musicians and fans alike—will be closing next month, with the last night of music being lucky Friday the 13th. The well-liked owners, Melissa Caruso Scott and John Scott, have yet to issue an official press release describing their reasons for closing, but one can only assume that the enormous, appalling tower of condos that got thrown up literally next door is part of it. (It all brings to mind DeNiro in Brazil, gliding in on a wire after striking a blow against the powers that be, smiling and assuring us that “We’re all in it together.” But I digress—and anyway, I’m not advocating that sort of behavior, am I?)"

If you have yet to catch the enigmatic Regina Spektor out on the road- then what are you waiting for? Regina has confirmed dates that will start in Portland on April 24th to accompany her previously announced date at both Coachella and Bonnaroo. Hey Regina, why no love for Sasquatch?! Most of her shows sold out her last time around including all of her New York City dates. Tour dates confirmed so far are:

"Do you like good music? Want to help spread the word and check out free shows, get free CDs and other gear, and a free subscription to the greatest music mag in the land? Filter Magazine is looking to add more reps to assist the current roster of reps with promotions in these cities ONLY:-Portland, OR-Phoenix, AZ-Virginia Beach, VA-Boston, MA-Philadelphia, PA-New Orleans, LA-Kansas City, MO-Charlotte, NC-Auburn, AL-Las Vegas, NV-Athens, GA-Baltimore, MD-Tallahassee, FLIf you live in or near any of cities LISTED and want to find out more about how you can help good music to prevail, send an email with your name, city, and phone number to: vizion@filtermmm.com

Thank you gothamist! "Albert Hammond Jr., Musician, Stroke Six years ago, whether you are ready to believe it or not, The Strokes emerged from a lost and muddled New York music scene and gave a kick start to the current indie rock phenomenon that we are experiencing today. The backbone of their sound and style was the rapid fire rhythm guitar of Albert Hammond Jr. Fast forward to 2007 and all of the emerging talents from the beginning of the century are all growing up and branching out. Modest Mouse found a sound that got them the #1 album in the US this week. Jack White sold out clubs around the world with three guys not named Meg. And Al Hammond is now touring to support a pretty darn good solo album, finding a balance that maintains the Strokes edge while forging a sound completely his own.

Albert took the time to answer a few of our questions, as he got ready to open two shows in New York for Bloc Party and headline one of his own at Bowery Ballroom.

Tell us your favorite (and why)...

-NYC Music VenueTRAMPS/ FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL/MADE A MOVIE WITH HER ON TOP OF A DOUBLE DECKER TOURIST BUS

-NYC Bar/Club2A/MERCURY LOUNGELIVED THERE DURING THE MAKING OF IS THIS IT

What was the first/last album you bought on the day it was released?BABYSHAMBLES EP "THE BLINDING"

How long have you been contemplating doing a solo record? Have you always had the idea in the back of your mind or did it spring about suddenly?HAVEN'T/IT COME ABOUT WHEN THE MUSIC WAS THERE

What is the best thing about touring solo apart from the Strokes?THEY WERE OLD FRIENDS/DIFFERENT EXPERINCES ARE ALWAYS GOOD FOR THEMIND AND SOUL

What do you miss the most?I CAN'T MISS WHAT I HAVEN'T LOST

How did the Incubus fans dig your stuff? Was it a good experience to get your music out to fans that may not have otherwise come across the record?IT WAS A LOT OF FUN/I IMAGINE SOME PEOPLE LIKED IT AND SOME HATED IT

You played CMJ this year. What was your experience like with that, and had you played it before?IT WAS AN INTENSE DREAM/NIGHTMARE/FANTASY"

So i almost died when i was 15. i went to see the Tebetian Freedom Concert at the lovely RFK stadium in DC with my best friend, Stephanie. We made it a point to be as close to the front of the stage as we possibly could for the act of the day (for us), The Beastie Boys. We were being completely girlie little girls, holding hands and singing along, which lasted all of, oh five seconds. The crowd, mostly boys, were alive with energy for the Beasties. I fell down so many times i lost count and still owe my life to a stranger named John with a british accent who took pity on me and warded of me being kicked in the face many a time. That set, to this day, remains one of the best shows i have ever seen. How could it not?! i grew up with each and every album and love this band and am so excited for the news i am about to share with you. Take your medicine because as they say...it's gonna be sick. "Beastie Boys have announced that they are going to release a new album this year. The album, which is yet untitled, will be the follow up to 2004's 'To The 5 Boroughs'. The band also announced they will play a series of instrumental-only shows, in a posting on www.Beastieboys.comThe band wrote:

"Hi... here's a few things you might wanna know about..

1. we have a new record coming out2. it's gonna be sick3. we're playing a bunch of shows this summer (see below)4. they're gonna be sick5. we're gonna play some instrumental only shows also 6. better call your doctor..cause they're gonna be sick7. it's gonna be a gala event8. we're changing up the website...sick9. got new gear coming soon...again...sick..10. go see a tailor and get tapered up..."

Via NME:"Babyshambles are the latest band to be confirmed for this year's Glastonbury Festival. Organiser Michael Eavis confirmed that his daughter - and fellow organiser - Emily had booked Pete Doherty's band for a surprisingly cheap fee. "I don't know if we're allowed to say this, but Emily has just done deal we're really proud of for Pete Doherty and Babyshambles, for £100!" Michael told NME.COM. "I must say I've never got a band for £100! I can't believe it, she's doing very well, isn't she? Absolute classic!" Emily later cleared up the deal's details, explaining that while Babyshambles will be receiving a usual fee, the £100 is to get Doherty to do an extra acoustic performance. As previously reported, the festival is being headlined by Arctic Monkeys, The Killers and The Who and takes place between June 22 and 24." Sigh...oh Pete, i wish you would sober up enough to play a date stateside.

Not that i would have ever believed a rumor about Radiohead even thinking about joining the new record label being started by coffee mastermind Starbucks, but according to NME some people did. Radiohead have poured hot water on rumours that they are set to sign for Starbucks' record label Hear Music. Talk of the highly improbable pairing originated on the internet after someone from the band's representatives Courtyard Management was apparently seen meeting recently with representatives of the coffee giant in London, according to BBC6 Music. The management company has now issued the following statement denying any link-up. "Radiohead are currently in the studio working on their next record. They are not negotiating a new record deal with anyone, and will not even consider how to release their new music until the album is finished. "The rumour that they are about to sign with Starbucks is totally untrue." As reported previously, Hear Music announced Paul McCartney as their first signing last week." I mean seriously, we are talking about RADIOHEAD here, like they would join Starbucks! That would be like Kayne West doing a commerical for Walmart. C'est ridicule!

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

"The Sasquatch! Music Festival and Tag Team Media are excited to announce a giveaway. The winner will receive complimentary 2-day festival passes for them and a friend to attend Sasquatch! this Memorial Day weekend (5/26 & 5/27) at the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington state. All you need to do is send an e-mail to sasquatchgiveaway@tagteammedia.com Please include your name, age, phone number, and the name of the site through which you found the giveaway. The winner of this giveaway will also have the opportunity to meet and conduct an exclusive interview with Tokyo Police Club on behalf of the site/blog they entered through. -The Deadline for all entries is Monday April 2nd. Entries received after April 2nd will not be considered in the giveaway.-The winner will be chosen at random and announced Wednesday April 4th. -Only one entry per individual, per email will be accepted.-The winner will be responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the festival as well as accomodations over the weekend. The giveaway only covers entrance to the festival. -The winner and the site/blog through which they enter the contest, with the help of Tag Team Media, will work to coordinate the details of the Tokyo Police Club interview."

On April 27th The Mars Volta will be on the Henry Rollins Show on the IFC channel. "The Henry Rollins Show" is a weekly independent talk show hosted by Henry, featuring high integrity guests, topics and uncensored musical performances. The new season premiers April 13th and airs every Friday night on IFC at 11pm Eastern, 8pm Pacific. The Mars Volta also perform a second song from Amputechture exclusively for IFC.com, so be sure to check that out as well."

Via NME: Nirvana's classic 1991 album 'Nevermind' has been turned into a dance based show by Seattle's Spectrum Dance Theater. The world premiere of the show will occur this weekend (March 31 - April 1) at the Moore Theatre in the city. The work has been choreographed by Donald Byrd, who has previously worked on the Broadway productions of 'The Color Purple'. Speaking about his decision to do the show, Byrd said: "The tragedy of his drug addiction that didn't allow (Kurt Cobain) to see with the kind of clarity that would have made for different choices, I was just kind of drawn to that." Although plot details are sketchy, two dancers - David Alewine and Allison Keppel - are set to represent Cobain and widow Courtney Love.Byrd said: "It's like sometimes when you're watching 'Romeo and Juliet', you think, if they had just waited...even if it seems unbearable, it's going to change." However, the director says the show is not biographical but "(Cobain)'s life is just an inspirational departure point". The dance steps are said to incorporate some of the dance moves of Los Angeles' punk scene, reports The Seattle Times." That just ruined my coffee.

I can't write about one of my favorite bands without writing about the other, that just would't be fair. So while you are missing The Strokes you can check out Albert Hammond Jr.'s first solo album. It is such a good album from start to finish and if you had any feelings of hesitation about the idea of Albert being without the rest of the gang, this should put your worries to rest. The best bit about this album is the obvious support surrounding his desire to venture out on his own and share his songs in a seperate arena with various tracks displaying guest spots by Julian Casablancas, Ben Kweller, Sean Lennon, Ryan Gentles and many more of his closest friends. If you aren't able to catch his show opening for Bloc Party this weekend or in April at Bowery Ballroom you can tune into Conan O'Brien on April 6th. In the meantime, get your fill of the ole' Strokes website while you can. Apparently they have decided to ditch the dear tele and will have a new format up sometime soon.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

I don't care what anyone else says, i adore Pete Doherty. Almost as much as NME who provided us with our latest update:"Pete Doherty is set to DJ at Gatecrasher's Summer Soundsystem festival. The Babyshambles frontman is scheduled to spin records at Leeds' Lotherton Hall on May 27. The singer will headline the Teenage Kicks Arena, and will be joined by a host of indie guest DJs. Also playing records will be The Ordinary Boys' frontman Preston, Franz Ferdinand's Paul Thomson, Ross Millard and Jaff from The Futureheads, Belle & Sebastian and Shitdisco. The indie bands join a host of dance DJs, including Judge Jules and Timo Mass. See Gatecrasher.com for more information." Now this is something worth checking out.

"And She Would Darken The Memory" is one of the most beautiful songs to come out so far this year. If you are not already booked on April 2nd watching the final NCAA basketball matchup or heading over to the Bowery Ballroom to check out Albert Hammond Jr. you should go check out The Twilight Sad at the Knitting Factory. Their LP Fourteen Autumns and Fifteen Winters has been released via Fat Cat records. Band members Jaes Gaa, Ay aaee, aig Oze, and ak evie (try saying that all together!) got together late into 2003. Their songs have a lasting quality due to the intricate overlapping of sounds without losing melody. Would love for someone to let me know how this show goes!

A friend of mine introduced me to this very catchy and talented band a few months back right before their soldout Piano's show and their spot opening for The Cold War Kids at the Mercury Lounge way back in January. Ever since i caught them live i cannot stop listening to their music. They have an incredibly infectious sound that when you see them live that keeps you wanting more. They have a distinct southern rock sound to them which surprised me to learn that they hail from Bucks County Pennyslvania. Chris Archibald has perfected a layed back way of singing the lyrics which makes the songs seem familar yet crisp and upbeat at the same time. They were in town at the Cake Shop last night and will be returning again on April 12th at the Mercury Lounge and again May 10th and 11th opening for the Kooks at Irving Plaza.* myspace

So many tickets going on sale this week (Arcade Fire, AIR, Bjork, Rage Against the Machine...)! Daft Punk has been announced for Thursday, August 9th out at Keyspan Park. Tickets will officially go on sale this Saturday morning via ticketweb at 11 AM!! Daft Punk will be accompained by The Rapture, Sebastain, and Kavinsky. You do not want to miss this one!

Monday, March 26, 2007

When i started out in this industry i was a on more than a little intern at Rough Trade Records. I could not have been more excited to work for my favorite record label who at the time was home to Belle and Sebastian, Adam Green, The Kills, British Seapower, The Libertines, The Hidden Cameras, The Delays, The Viels, Gruff Rhys and many more bands which were and still are some of my favorite artists. It always made me jealous that their roster in the UK was more established and had it's own store. However, i could not have been more proud of my time with such an incredible company with the most lovely people you could ever wish to work for. So proud to see of them taking on such a big challenge. Best of luck loves!

When a REAL band starts off they hope just to be able to get their music out in the open, play a few shows, travel a bit and be able to do their own thing. Over the years many artists have realized how they can use their success and fame to contribute to society on a humanitarian level. Music itself creates happiness every day but you have to love all of the festivals that have decided to go green or when artists raise money for AIDS or Public School Music Programs. When it comes to helping out Hurricane Katrina Victims nothing makes me happier. Check out these other links for ideas if you would like:http://www.jazzfoundation.org/new_orleans.php http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/animal_environ/hurricanes http://www.acorn.org

I cannot seem to get enough of the new Harlem Shakes album lately so it is a good thing they decided to play a show at the Knitting Factory on April 7th scheduled for 11'ish or so. Another lovely local band with fantastic music. Show your hometown boys a lil bit o lovins! Why not? The rest of their tour dates.

One of my favorite New York City bands is making their return along with debuting some new material at Tonic this Thursday, March 29th. If you have not yet seen The Rosewood Thieves live show yet you should definitely mark this thursday on your calendar! Also, stop by the KEXP blog for an archive of their live in-studio performance during last years' CMJ Festival. This is one band that you need to catch while they are still playing relatively small rooms. Also visit their myspace page so you can get a better idea of the inspiration surrounding their album and such. Also, head over to http://doctormooney.blogspot.com to check out his lovely review of their upcoming album as well as everything and anything else he has posted. Definitely a very well thoughtout blog. Thank you for sharing!

Tickets for the three (3) upcoming New York engagements will go on sale this Friday, March 30th @ 10:00 AM via ticketmaster. May 7th and 8th will take place at the United Palace Theatre located all the way uptown on 175th street. The 9th is a special date at Radio City Music Hall and will be the ingaugural event for the Highland Music Festival. Unfortunately European fans are going to have to wait a bit to see the last nine dates they had scheduled from now up until April.

What to say about the Fratellis last night at the Mercury Lounge... it was their first time in NYC...it was the first time i have ever seen bouncers for a band at the merc...it was the first time i have seen a mosh pit at the merc...so much to say. They definitely are one of the tighest ensembles i have ever seen perform, especially for their first time out. They were spot on. Every song was as loud and as energetic as you had hoped it would be. They broke out their set with "Henrietta" and with each song gained more audience support. i LOVE seeing all of these bands making it over to the city and evenmoreso i love being surrounded by audiences who know all of the words and aren't afraid to dance. At one point JonFratelli exclaimed, "and people say new york audiences aren't loud" to which everyone screamed and clapped along in perfect form. MinceFratelli is a strong drummer in his own right, and for some reason reminded me of Katie from ¡Forward, Russia!. Every song was a highlight for me, but I was very happy to hear "Ole Black 'n' Blue Eyes" and "For the Girl." For their encore JonFratelli climbed back on stage and started with Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" into an acoustic version of "Whistle For The Choir." His bandmates then took their positions to finish with a cover of the Goldfrapp song "Ooh La La." Oh dear dear Fratellis, it is official, a band like you is just irresistible.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

I want the White Stripes HERE in NYC right NOW! But i guess i will have to wait. However the lovely people of Spain will get their chance to hear new material on May 31st at the Primavera Sound Festival. The bill is solid without the likes of Jack White and his sister Meg. Hot Chip, Beirut, Battles, Grizzly Bears, Klaxons, Maximo Park and the Buzzcocks are all already onboard.

Who doesn't this guy work with? Not that i am complaining, everything he touches turns out for the better. i for one definitely think he is one of the most creative people in the business, however i would have never thought that Timbaland and Coldplay would team up! "The super-producer revealed that he is coming to the UK in April to meet with the band, whom he is known to be a big fan of. Speaking about his production method of not having a preconceived idea of what the sound will be, Timbaland told the US edition of GQ: "I try to get into their heads, see what they're thinking about. I just try to figure out how they are feeling. "And if they are feeling a certain way, I go by that. It's more about everyday life - then it (should) be about music."-NME

The Police and The Smashing Pumpkins are definitely back and hitting up the V Festival down in my lovely home state of Maryland along with the Beastie Boys on August 4th-5th. Unfortunately, this coincides with the Lollapaloozafestival in Chicago. Seth Hurwitz has high hopes that his festival will be able to attract fans despite the competition: "Given the choice of booking The Police or not we had to go for it. If anything it's probably helped us because we were able to book some bands that were out already for Lolla. Hopefully both festivals will be strong enough that it doesn't matter." Stay tuned for more announcements.

Al Gore is not the only one currently out on the road promoting ideas about how to live a sustainable lifestyle. Turns out Guster has teamed up with the environmental action group Reverb during their second annual Campus Consciousness Tour. Reverb Rock aims to inspire students to become more involved and activate ecofriendly actions on their campuses the tour will start on March 28th in Winston-Salem, NC at Wake Forest University. Jonny Lives! leading man Jonny Dubowsky is taking his Rock N Renew educational series out on tour with his band. More bands should take note! Green is the way to go! Did anyone else notice the donation during the Arctic Monkeys ticket sales for their upcoming US tour?

Also deserving of attention: Additional Information: Optional Charitable Donation: Arctic Monkeys would like to give you the option of donating $1.00 to Common Ground Collective to aid Hurricane Katrina survivors (www.commongroundrelief.org). They still need our help. Your generosity is greatly appreciated."

Nothing is as exciting as seeing the festival scene taking off across the globe. I just discovered OYA Festival while reading Audience Magazine and am shocked not to have heard about it before. The lineup for this year is already highly impressive and I am sure will continue to grow as the months creep closer. So far: Amulet, Amy Winehouse, BigBang, Bonde Do Role, CocoRosie, Gogol Bordello, The Hold Steady, Ida Marina, Justice, Lady Sovereign, Malajube, Matt and Kim, New Young Pony Club, Primal Scream, TTC and many more. The festival takes place for four days from the 7th-11th of August in a Medieval Park that is transformed into an arena for the performances. Apparently they have teamed up with Oh My Rockness and put together a showcase down at SXSW with The Lionheard Brothers, New Violators, Datarock, The Ponys, Ra Ra Riot, and Cloud Cult. Definitely sounds like a very promising new collaboration! Also, did i mention that this festival is a GREEN EVENT! Rock out!

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

No one loves her Harry Potter more than I. Proudly owning up to my Potter obsession I direct you to how the final book will be even more enjoyable than the previous six...Harry Potter Goes Green Thank you J.K. Rowling.

The Bird and The Bee are not only in Lily Allen's top friends on her myspace page, but are opening for her upcoming American tour as well. Very exciting. As if Lily wasn't reason enough to trek over to your local music roost for a bit of song and dance. The Bird and The Bee tour dates:

Monday, March 19, 2007

As you may be aware the US Copyright Office Copyright Review Board announced a decision late last week that released a ruling on performance royalty fees that are based exclusively on the number of people tuned into an Internet radio station with no consideration given to what, if any, revenue is generated by the broadcaster. This decision has the very real potential to force the closure of a wide realm of online webcasting sources that have significantly impacted the growth and development of independent roots music across all genres. To lose this avenue of promotion and support for roots based music could be potentially devastating with respect not only to its financial impact on the industry, but to its cultural survival.

If this legislation is passed it will be the end of internet radio, including my little broadband station.

It doesn't matter where you live. Go to the link and sign the petition.

With the convenience of the internet not only can you become a writer, director, music video star, dj, blogger, but now you can even create your own radio station along with photos and a profile. The latest addition to streaming music over the internet is www.last.fm which allows you to surf the net and check out who people are listening to and what they look like, where they live...etc, depending on how much information is provided within individual profiles. Frankly I will stick with my KEXP. Creature of habit.

With The Klaxons, CSS, Spank Rock, Crystal Castles, and Jaime T all receiving loads of blogger praise lately it is time for Hadouken! to hit the scene as well. They have been splashed all over the pages of NME and definitely are starting to grow on me. They sound like a little bit of Dizzy Rascal mixed with the Klaxons mixed with the Rapture. Not a bad time at all. As i still have yet to learn how to post mp3's check out the blogs listed below for sample tracks.

SOOO EXCITED for this thursday night! Finally the Fratellis will be decending upon New York for their two night spread down on houston street. They are releasing a new single this week, thank you to NME for the updates! www.nme.com:

"The Fratellis have released their new single 'Baby Fratelli' on a USB drive today (March 19), leading to speculation that the new format could shake up the charts.

Chart rules have changed which could make downloads eligible for the Top 40 since the beginning of 2007 and it has been suggested that flash drives should now be included in the count.

About 7,000 Fratellis sticks have been made available at HMV stores.

USB drives were piloted last October with Keane single 'Nothing's In My Way' which sold out in a day.

In a statement Lee Jenson head of marketing at Island Records said: "The success of the Keane single last year convinced us that music fans would welcome more audio release on this format.at.

"If demand really does start to take off, it may well become viable to thinkg about releasing selective album on USB as well, especially if they are to become eligible for inclusion in the chart." "

Alright...so i will admit, i went into the Fujiya & Miyagi show a bit cautious and bummed out. To be honest i only gave into buying a ticket to see this show when i saw that The Prototypes had been added to the bill. I am a huge fan of the influx of french music into the scene lately with the likes of Montreal bands Malajube and Les Breastfeeders. I love the Prototypes EP which i happily downloaded off of the Minty Fresh (their american record label) website months ago. Hopefully they will make another trip to nYc sometime soon. Onto Fujiya and Miyagi who could have not provided a more entertaining set to end the weekend. There definitely is something to be said about going to see a band that knows how to pull out a killer set out on a sunday night. The Mercury Lounge itself was pretty empty for a 'soldout' show which gave everyone enough room to dance! I do not think i have been so happily surprised by a band of this ilk since Hot Chip. You always wonder how those dance beats are going to play when you see them live and anyone who is headed over to their second show tonight is in for a good time. So wear your dancing shoes! *Highlights: Matt Hainsby who provided enough bass to bring make a believer and dancer out of even the most jaded hipster.

Those clever investigators over at the Onion took to the streets this past issue to find out what people have to say about the upcoming Starbucks Record Label. Personally I am not enthused about the idea of a coffee chain having an influence in what artists are 'hot' and who are 'not.' But hey, if it works, it works. Look at last years free Belle and Sebastian concert give away fiasco! http://www.theonion.com/content/amvo/starbucks_starts_music_label

Hopefully everyone has been able to join in on the live Austin City action via www.kexp.org. Make sure to head over to the KEXP blog to check out photos from the sessions with Lily Allen, Earl Greyhound, Apples in Stereo, Peter, Bjorn, and John, The Holloways, and many others. Today's schedule: Friday 3/16/2007:

1:00PMThe Stooges3:00PMOkkervil River5:00PMUnder Byen6:00PMThe Good, The Bad & The Queen Interview7:00PMBeirut*Recommendations: The last time Beirut stopped by for a KEXP session it was one of the best live performances I have ever heard...definitely NOT TO BE MISSED! www.kexp.org

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

New Venues keep sprouting up all across the country which is especially exciting for us music lovers! (care of Empty Bottle Presents) The Lakeshore Theater is an old movie house has already hosted or will host the following artists:Album Leaf, Daniel Johnston, Danielson, El Perro Del Mar, Emily Hanes, Final Fantasy, Fruitbats, John Vanderslice, Jose Gonzales, Rogue Wave and may others. The second venue is The Portage Theater which will be a seated venue that has already hosted Bonnie 'Prince' Billy.

the best radio station in the WORLD is playing host to a bunch of fabulous in-studio performances/interviews down in Austin while the rest of us are trapped in our respective offices.Definitely tune into KEXP (you can stream via their website or Itunes) to hear today's lineup (West Coast Times):Wednesday 3/14/2007

Dear dear bands posted here:

A little music lover with a lot left to learn and discover.
Don't forget about Katrina.
www.katrinaspianofund.org
www.tipitinasfoundation.org
"I am worried my kids won't know what it is like to open Vinyl." -Jack White